Tape measure



Aug. 17 ,1926. 1,596,407

J. DINGMAN TAPE MEASURE Filed Nov. 11, 1925 I INVENTOR.

JOSEPH D/NGMHN- Patented Aug. 17, 1926.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH DINGMAN, OF MODESTO, CALHORNIA.

TAPE MEASURE.

Application filed November This invention relates to tape measures and has for its object to provide tape measures with a guard member adapted to pre; vent the tape from being bent too acutely upon itself adjacent its case when extended, and whichis capable of use as a latch to yieldably retain the tape in coiled position within its case.

In carrying out this object I provide a spring guard member which is secured at one end adjacent the usual opening in the rim of the tape measure case through which the free end of the tape projects. The other end of the guard overlies the opening to yieldably engage the tape when it is bent op-- positely to the tangential position it normally assumes when withdrawn from the case. Such enga ement of the guard and tape prevents the latter from being bent upon itself at the point where it emerges from the opening at an angle sufiiciently acute to snap the tape. The guard is also capable of engaging the usual bail at the end of the tape and to latch it in position when the tape is coiled within the case.

One form which the invention may assume is exemplified in the following description and illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective disclosing the guard member latching the tape in reeled position.

Fig. 2 is a similar view disclosing the tape partially withdrawn from the case.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the tape meas ure, fitted with my improved guard and disclosing the manner in which the guard prevents the tape from being bent at an angle sufliciently acute to break the tape.

Referring more particularly to the accompanying drawings, 10 indicates a'tape measure of any preferred design having the usual internal reel about which the tape may be coiled. The rim of the tape measure case is formed with the usual opening 11 through which the free end of the tape 12 projects and through which the tape is withdrawn when unreeled.

V Mounted on the rim of the case and anchored at one end thereto is a guard 15. The

11, 1925. Serial No. 68,287.

other end of this guard overlies the opening 11 and is outwardly curled at its extremity.

Intermediate the curled end of the guard 15 and the end at which it is anchored to the case, the under side of the guard is formed with a transverse indentation 16 capable of engaging the inner endof the usual bail 14 at the end of the tape when the latter is coiled, and is adapted to retain the tape in coiled position.

As before mentioned the guard member 15 is formed of spring material and as it is anchored at one end only, the end which overlies the opening is permitted a certain amount of movement toward and away from the rim of the case. It is seen that when. the tape is fully reeled the guard member will snap over the inner end of the bail and yieldably retain the same between the rim of the case at the sides of the opening and the indentation previously mentioned.

When the tape is withdrawn from the case through the opening 11 and bent backwardly from its normal tangential position, the curled end of the guard will engage the surface of the tape. Therefore, should the tendency be. to acutely bend the tape rearwardly upon itself, it will meet with yielding resistance from the guard 15. This will prevent the tape from being bent so sharply that it will break.

It is manifest from the foregoing that I have provided a very inexpensive attachment for tape measures which will adequately protect the tape from being broken at the point where it emerges from the case, and which is also capable of use in latching the tape in coiled position. As the device is very simple in nature, it is inexpensive to manufacture. 9

While I have shown the preferred form of my invention, it is to be understood that various changes in its construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claim.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In combination with a tape measure having a case With the usual openingin the rim 1 thereof, of a guard member comprising a strip of spring material secured at one end to the rim of the case adjacent said opening, the other end of said strip overlying the opening and being outwardly curled Whereby to engage the tape measure When it is withdrawn from the case and bent outward- 1y, said guard member having a transverse depression formed in its under side adjacent said eurled end, said transverse depression being adapted to engage the end of the tape when the latter is in coiled position to yieldingly retain it.

JOSEPH DINGMAN. 

